Upper Arlington residents packed Northam Park on Tuesday evening for National Night Out, an annual event connecting neighbors with local police and firefighters that the city called one for the books.

The Aug. 4 gathering ran from 6 to 8 p.m. at the park, located at 1880 Northam Road. Families climbed aboard police cruisers and fire trucks, met a police K-9 and mounted patrol horses, watched live demonstrations and grabbed food from trucks parked on site. Kids lined up for face painting, balloon art, games and giveaways.

As we reported ahead of the event, the evening was billed as a chance for residents to connect with the first responders who keep Upper Arlington safe.

The City of Upper Arlington said on X on Aug. 5 that it was grateful to everyone who came out to spend the evening with police officers, firefighters and community partners. The Upper Arlington Police Division, led by Chief Keith Hall, shared a photo gallery the same day and called the night a great reminder of what makes the community special.

Dublin, Gahanna, Grove City, Hilliard and Westerville also hosted events the same night.

The Upper Arlington Police Division and Fire Division, led by Fire Chief Greg Eisenacher, coordinated the local event alongside community partners. No official attendance count has been released.

What's next

The next community gathering at a UA park comes quickly: the Movies in the Parks series screens Little Giants at 7 p.m. Aug. 7, at Thompson Park, 4250 Woodbridge Road. The Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival returns to Northam Park on Sept. 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with juried artists, live music, art activities and food vendors. Admission is free.